Vote by Mail Ballot FAQ

Question: What is the deadline for returning my vote-by-mail
ballot?Answer: To be counted, your vote-by-mail ballot must be
received in the supervisor of elections office not later than 7 p.m. on Election
Day and be otherwise valid. Vote-by-mail ballots may be returned in person or by mail.
If you plan to mail your ballot, be sure to mail early to avoid postal service
delays.

Question: Will a vote-by-mail ballot be counted if it
is postmarked on election day?Answer: A vote-by-mail ballot can be counted only if
it is received in the supervisor’s office by 7 p.m. election
day and is otherwise valid.

Question: May I use a courier service such
as FEDEX or UPS to return my vote-by-mail ballot?Answer: Yes.

Question: Are all vote-by-mail ballots counted?Answer: Unless a vote-by-mail ballot is rejected as
illegal by a canvassing board, the ballot is counted.

Question: What would cause a vote-by-mail ballot to be
rejected as illegal?Answer: A vote-by-mail ballot will be rejected if: (1) It is not
signed by the voter; (2) The signature does not match the voter's signature
on file with the supervisor of elections; (3) It is not returned to the elections
office by 7 p.m. on election day.IMPORTANT:
You must sign your ballot. Power of attorney is NOT accepted.

Question: May a candidate solicit requests for vote-by-mail
ballots?
Answer: Yes: However, if soliciting by mail, we
urge you to let us review your mailer to make sure that it asks for the correct
information from the voter.

Question: May a candidate get a list of everyone who
has requested a vote-by-mail ballot?
Answer: Yes: We can provide the names and addresses
of all voters who have requested vote-by-mail ballots for an election to candidates
who have filed qualification papers and are opposed in the coming election, political
parties, and political committees (F.S. 101.62).

Question: Is there a charge?Answer: Yes: There is a charge for a CD, labels
or paper lists.

Question: May a candidate look through the vote-by-mail
ballots which are returned?Answer: A candidate (as well as any member of the public) may be
present when the vote-by-mail ballots are canvassed and during the opening process. He/she
may also review the ballots prior to the canvass during the advertised time period.
However, only the supervisor, her employees, or a canvassing board shall handle any
official ballot (F.S. 101.572)

Answer: You may call the office of the supervisor of elections at
941-861-8618